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well-drained subsoil. In such a case, they have proved almost 

 ideal as fruit land. 



But one exception is to be noticed. Where large amount 

 of precipitation occur in summer, rather light soils prove ex- 

 cellent for the wellbeing of fruit trees, especially on flat land. ; 



The amount of humus tends in our country to increase 

 with the latitude. Soils with humus are rather extensive and 

 the percentage of the humus is relatively high. The alluvial 

 deposits on river bottoms and sea shores are exceptions. The 

 quaternary soils of north Japan, Hokkaido excepted generally 

 contain much humus in particular especially those of Volcanic, 

 Tertiary and Old Quaternary origin. The humus has been 

 gradually accumulated in these colder, regions ; it decomposes 

 very slowly and the acid is produced as a consequence of the 

 imperfect aeration of the soil. 



Soils rich in humus appear to be highly productive and 

 beneficial on the continents, but it is not so in our climate. 

 The humous soils of north Japan may be ameliorated by the 

 addition of lime and by thorough drainage. In the apple 

 growing centers of the north, trees planted on such soils are 

 said to be liable to disease and insects injuries. The soils of 

 Hokkaido are less rich in humus than in the above districts. 

 This is probably due to the dry climate. 



Fruit culture in Japan is carried on in any kind of soil, 

 but generally speaking, it is largely conducted on alluvial 

 lowlands on rivers, lakes and sea coasts. Most of them have 

 proved very productive from their native fertility and good 

 texture. These lowlands are occupied mainly by rice fields, 

 and by vegetable farms in the proximity of large cities. Pear 

 orchards under skillful management are also found by their 

 side. The orchards suffer in some places from occasional flood. 

 Peaches and plums are often grown together with pears on 

 such lowlands. Pears do not materially sufifer, while the other 

 fruits undergo severe damage. Next, fruitg are grown on 

 soils of Tertiary, Paleozoic, Archean and Plutonic origin with 



